Diamond in the Making

20. Unwanted Surprise

How much significance can three words have? They are the ultimate declaration of feelings. But how do you know if the other person feels it as well? How hard can it be to say those three words, those eight letters?

I've never had this problem before. I didn't love Brad, it never felt as good as it does with Nate. I haven't ever experienced a feeling as strong as this.

It feels like love with Nate but can I really love someone who is capable of more than I can imagine? I can look past it now but I don't know what the future holds.

My parents love was indescribable, beyond admirable. It was like they were made for each other. At least that was my observation but who is on the outside looking in for my relationship?

I sat on the couch, unmoved, as I was lost in thought looking at Nate as he watched whatever played on the tv. When a commercial came on, he got up, handed me my clothes which were scattered on the floor, gave me a kiss on the forehead, then picked up our dishes off the coffee table and made his way back to the kitchen.

I got dressed back into my pyjamas then went to grab the ice cream from earlier with two spoons.

Nate grabbed my attention as he washed the plates and the water dripped all over his ink covered arms.

Bringing myself out of my daze, I asked jokingly "so do you eat ice cream with a fork too?"

He looked at me over his shoulder saying "very funny," without any enthusiasm which caused me to laugh.

I walked back over to the couch, grabbed some pillows and a blanket and sat cross legged in front of the big windows of my apartment. Sometimes the tv just doesn't interest me, the lively bright streets usually call my eyes.

Nate joined me after he finished up. He turned the tv off and came to sit next to me with his legs out and his arms holding him up from behind.

I handed him his spoon and we shared the ice cream as I watched the city reflect in his blue eyes.

"Do you believe in true love?" I asked as I quickly shied away and directed my sight back to the window.

"I don't know but I know I'm meant to be here with you," he said as he picked my hand up from my lap and held it tight after placing a soft kiss on it. I already miss his lips on mine.

"Like fate?" I asked, wanting to clarify my thoughts. I was looking for something that would tell me if this was love.

"I guess you could put it that way," he said with a smirk.

We sat by the window talking for what felt like hours about everything and nothing at the same time. I realized I feel the same way Nate does, I know I'm meant to be here with him right now. Does that mean us being together is destined to happen, I don't know but I want to live in the moment. And I'm loving this moment.

"Are you staying the night?" I asked through my yawns.

"Do you want me to?" He asked slyly.

I didn't answer his cocky question. I just pulled his arm and brought him into my room. He went to the bathroom as I curled up into my comfy bed getting buried in the covers.

Nate came out of the bathroom and walked back into the kitchen as I tried to keep my tired eyes open. For once, I actually felt like my mind was at peace and I could sleep. He came back with the rattling bottle of sleeping pills and a glass of water that he placed on my night stand.

"Just in case you need it," he said as he placed another blanket on top of me. His kindness warmed my heart.

Then he stripped into his underwear and crawled into the bed next to me. I wish I got a better view of him but at least I'll see it all in the morning, I thought as I smiled to myself.

I got closer to him, my arm draped over his toned chest where my head laid and my legs tangled in his. Listening to the gentle hum of his heart beat, I fell asleep with no troubles for the first time in a long time.

Only to wake up to an empty bed yet again. There wasn't a trace of Nate left behind.

I threw the blankets off me in an angry hurry as I left out a huff of frustration. I don't know what to think anymore, I don't want to be mad that he ran off but I am. Is it bad that I want to be more important to him than whatever his reason for running off is?

The clock read 10 a.m. so I figured it would be best if I went to work.

I brushed my teeth, straightened my long black hair, then applied a bit of makeup before heading to my closet. I decided on dark grey trousers with a cream coloured knit sweater and my Valentino heels.

The pool of keys laid spread out on my entryway table and I dug through to find the keys to my Bentley. I grabbed my purse and my sunglasses before locking the door to my apartment and heading to the garage.

I thought I heard footsteps behind me as I navigated to my car. Watching my back every few feet but I saw nothing. This paranoia is really getting the best of me.

As soon as I started my car, the engine of another followed. Coincidence, I thought to myself as I drove straight to work.

I parked on the street in front of the store and I paid extra attention to the black Cadillac a few spots behind me.

Stop overthinking, it's nothing. This is something I continuously tell myself hoping that I'll drill it in my brain, but it doesn't work. The feeling of fear and panic deep in my gut was eating me alive. Does anyone really trust their gut?

I walked through the big glass front doors of my store and was greeted by Sienna.

"Hey Zara," she said as she dragged out each letter of my name playfully. "Someone dropped something off for you, I put it in your office," she said as she wiggled her brows. I laughed at her suspiciously excited behaviour before I went to my office.

Opening the door, I was greeted by the smell of fresh roses. The beautiful vase sat on my desk with dozens of white roses inside. I smiled to myself thinking of the one person I care for the most as I ran my fingers along the petals.

A card was placed by the vase with my name written across the envelope. I noticed the handwriting but I refused to believe it was true. My fingers grazed the rugged paper as I slowly opened the envelope and pulled out a little piece of paper.

I read the words over and over in my head.

The meaningless words written across the paper in indelible ink read:

Zara,

I wish to thank you in person for your help.

Until we meet again my love.

-Brad

I ripped the paper and threw it out quickly. What kind of game is he playing? He said we were all good but now he's back. Brad is the most two faced person I've ever met. One minute he's telling you how great you are and the next he's fucking his secretary. You never know what side you'll see from him. But one thing is for sure, I don't like the side I'm seeing right now.